Agricultural News

As the Beaver County Fire Relief Information meeting wrapped up this afternoon, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays reached out to Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese, who attended the meeting along with approximately 150 farmers and ranchers affected by the recent Northwest Oklahoma wildfires, there to learn about the available assistance programs available through the Farm Service Agency and other organizations. You can listen to Hays and Reese discuss today’s meeting with fire victims in Beaver County, by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of this story.

Reese offered his observations on the scene, saying that every day gets a little better for the victims.

“I think the first day was just total devastation,” he empathized. “You think there is no recovery; you’re totally blindsided by the size of the job in front of you.”

However, he continued that as assistance of all kinds, through programs, hay drives and just genuine support, the attitudes seem to lift some.

“They’re past the ugly part; they’re spirits are getting better,” he added. “People get just a little bit more optimistic every day.”

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by these fires, Reese encourages you to complete an application through the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, which is helping to coordinate efforts to distribute assistance as soon as possible. To fill out your application in order to be accounted for, visit the OCA website, here.